In the latest edition of the show “Our Heritage,” the focus was placed on one of the most precious resources of the Montenegrin north \u2013 the katuns. Jelena Kriv\u010devi\u0107, Director of the Regional Development Agency (RDA) for Bjelasica, Komovi, and Prokletije, explained in detail the significance of recent successes in protecting this “living heritage.”<\/p>\n
Kriv\u010devi\u0107 pointed out that katuns are not just places for summer livestock grazing, but complex systems that preserve biodiversity, authentic architecture, and centuries-old knowledge. Special emphasis was placed on the nomination process for the katuns to the GIAHS list of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which would bring Montenegro international recognition and open doors for even stronger tourism and economic valorization of these areas.<\/p>\n
During the conversation, Kriv\u010devi\u0107 highlighted the importance of synergy between agriculture and tourism. She explained how projects like “Katun Roads” directly help herding families survive on the mountain, turning a traditional way of life into a unique tourism offering that attracts visitors from all over the world. However, she also warned of challenges \u2013 depopulation and the need for better infrastructure to motivate young people to continue the tradition of the “izdig” (seasonal movement to mountain pastures).<\/p>\n
The show concluded with the message that the institutional protection recently achieved by declaring the “izdig” to katuns a national intangible cultural asset is only the beginning of a long journey toward the permanent preservation and sustainable development of the Montenegrin mountains.<\/p>\n